Authorities in southeastern Australia have arrested a man in connection with the death of 19-year-old Audrey Griffin, nearly a month after she went missing during a night out with friends.
Griffin was last seen in the early hours of March 23, walking along a road in Erina, New South Wales. According to reports from The Australian and Australian Associated Press (AAP), she had spent the night socializing at the Gosford Hotel, where she stayed until around 2 a.m.
The next day, her body was discovered submerged in a creek near the area she was last seen. Initially, investigators treated her death as non-suspicious, according to a statement by the NSW Police Force.
But as days passed and more evidence surfaced, detectives turned their focus to a mystery man captured on security footage near the scene. Police made a public appeal for help in identifying him, emphasizing that he was only wanted for questioning and not immediately suspected of wrongdoing. That appeal post has since been deleted.
Now, authorities have confirmed an arrest. The man, identified by multiple outlets including AAP and 7News as Adrian Torres, is accused of engaging in a physical altercation with Griffin before she was killed. He has been charged with murder, along with 11 unrelated domestic violence offenses. Torres is currently being held without bail, and his lawyer, Bashaar Elkheir, told the media that they are still working to establish how he and Griffin came into contact.
Griffin’s death has sent shockwaves through her community. The 19-year-old was known for her athleticism, having played both rugby and water polo, and she served as the vice-captain of Central Coast Sports College.
A GoFundMe page set up in her memory described her as “the light in many of our lives,” remembering her for the joy, laughter, and kindness she brought to everyone she met. “She was the kindest soul to walk this Earth and will always be in our hearts,” the tribute read.
Investigators continue piecing together the final moments of Griffin’s life. The motive behind the alleged attack has not yet been disclosed, and it remains unclear whether the two knew each other prior to the fatal incident.
As the case moves through the courts, Griffin’s family, friends, and supporters are left mourning a life taken far too soon — while also hoping justice will be served.